RuPaul's Drag Race Recap

🕸️ Hello Uglies: Titans Season 2, Episode 1 — “Halloween House Party 2” The monsters are back from the grave, and so are Joe and Lauri! In this premiere of Dragula: Titans Season 2, the Boulet Brothers resurrect fourteen ghouls for another round of filth, horror, and glamour. The fright feat? Pulling pins from a voodoo doll. The main challenge? A Halloween House Party sequel and lip-sync battle to the Boulets’ own song. And the extermination? Let’s just say it’s a literal cliffhanger. Joe opens up about juggling podcasting and jury duty while Lauri reminds him she’s heard it all before. The duo unpack the Meet Our Monsters drama, discuss returning contestants, and debate whether this season feels more like Who Said Yes? than Titans. Joe rants about the Boulets’ beard-contouring disaster, over-edited floor shows, and their forgotten sense of imagination. Lauri insists Sigourney’s self-confidence is earned while Joe brands her “too safe.” The two dissect early alliances, fake rivalries, and how Dragula sometimes sabotages its own queens. Evah Destruction’s endless talking, Cynthia Doll’s volume, and Disasterina’s accent chaos all come under fire. The new Ghost Host makes his grand return, serving graveyard glamour with haunting narration for each selected look. Joe and Lauri critique Evah’s winning Grim Reaper look, La Zavaleta’s “bedsheet ghost,” Priscilla’s disco werewolf, and Sigourney’s slightly under-contoured devil. They tackle the new voting twist, Dollya's strategic power move, and whether Dragula’s “anti-Drag Race” roots are slowly fading away. 📧 Email: hellouglies@afterthought.media 🎙️ Leave a voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia 💸 Support exclusive content: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Produced by Denis Escolero Special Thanks to our Expensive Tier Patreon Supporters Hello Uglies is an Afterthought Media Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, hosts Joe and Nathan dive into Season 17 Episode 10, titled 'The Villains Roast.' They express their excitement about the episode, discussing the lip sync battle, character dynamics, and personal struggles of the contestants. The conversation highlights the complexities of competition, the impact of personal insecurities, and the evolving relationships among the queens. Joe and Nathan analyze the performances and the emotional undercurrents that drive the contestants' actions, providing insights into the show's themes of resilience and vulnerability. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of performance in competitive environments, exploring how personal experiences and emotional vulnerabilities shape individuals' actions and reactions. They discuss the importance of communication and teamwork, the dynamics of blame and personal responsibility, and the influence of past experiences on current behavior. The conversation also touches on the role of mentorship in creative processes and the impact of self-image on performance. In this episode of Drag Race Recap, Nathan and Joe delve into the complexities of friendship and betrayal during the roast challenge, analyze the performances of the contestants, and explore conspiracy theories surrounding the writing of jokes. They also critique the fashion choices on the runway and reflect on the overall episode, highlighting key moments and insights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season Finale: “He’s Playing the Long Game” Joe and Nathan close out the 2025 season of The Rumor Mill with a chaotic blend of heartfelt listener love, Eurotrip plans, and Blackstone-fueled madness. Nathan’s packing his bags (and possibly his Grindr grid) for Europe, while Joe swears he’s “totally straight now” and absolutely not talking about Jeremy or Carlo—except, of course, he is. From ghosted text threads to imaginary girlfriends, Joe gives a full report on his German heartbreak saga as Nathan tries (and fails) to keep the show on track. The duo takes listener voicemails covering everything from Drag Race Season 2 nostalgia to Real Housewives rankings, with shoutouts to Travon, Kevin, Katie, and the beloved “Elder Gay from Kentucky.” Joe even summons the long-dormant Mites for an update that veers into horror-movie territory before unveiling the return of the one and only Mr. Blackstone, who tears into a new listener’s fashion sense with trademark venom (and suspiciously German admiration). Between fake news of Jane Goodall’s demise, spontaneous voicemails, and a failed live call to Evan, the episode spirals in the best possible Rumor Mill way—equal parts chaos, camp, and catharsis. Before signing off, Joe and Nathan reflect on their chemistry, their listeners, and their growing legend as the internet’s favorite duo to dish about everything except actual drag rumors. Joe’s “I’m straight now” era—complete with girlfriend Aiden and denial. Nathan’s European adventures (and the hunt for Eurocock). Listener voicemails from Trevon, Kevin, Katie, and Sean. The return of the Mites (with unexpected tragedy). Mr. Blackstone reviews listener Brendan’s looks—and maybe civilization itself. Fake news of Jane Goodall’s “death” and Joe’s wild theory about podcast espionage. Talk of the Rulaska Thoughts future and potential format changes. A sweet farewell from Nathan before his trip—and a teaser that Rumor Mill will return. “I only express my emotions on shows. I never say how I really feel… which is probably why everyone’s mad at me.” Got thoughts, theories, or voicemails for next season? Leave a SpeakPipe or DM @joebetance. 🔥 Highlights🧃 Best Quote💌 Follow-Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, Joe and Nathan discuss Season 17 Episode 9, titled 'Heavens to Betsey.' They delve into personal anecdotes, health updates, and listener feedback before analyzing the lip sync battle and design challenge inspired by Betsey Johnson. The hosts reflect on the quality of the show, the dynamics of showmances, and the mini challenge where queens read each other for filth. They conclude with thoughts on the contestants' performances and strategies in the competition. In this episode of the Drag Race Recap, Joe and Nathan delve into the emotional struggles of the contestants, particularly focusing on Lexi's lack of inspiration and the dynamics within the workroom. They discuss the impact of guest judge Betsey Johnson and the various design challenges faced by the queens. As elimination day approaches, the conversation shifts to personal transformations and runway looks, culminating in critiques of the outfits presented on stage. The episode wraps up with reflections on the competition and the contestants' journeys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the penultimate episode of The Rumor Mill, Joe and Nathan dive headfirst into one of the season’s most unexpected storylines: when the host himself becomes the news. What starts as a recap of a listener’s feedback spirals into a candid discussion about paraphrasing, cultural nuance, and the perils of being quoted back to yourself. The conversation covers: A fair-and-balanced “news report” about Joe’s back-and-forth with a listener from Berlin. Audio receipts, transcripts, and the hazards of context (or the lack thereof). The return of familiar voices on the voicemail line—including a Scottish tongue-twister, Brendan’s zombie cameo, and a passionate plea for the comeback of Mr. Blackstone. Tom from Ireland pitches a brand-new Afterthought Media spinoff idea, sparking a debate about psychology, drag queens, and how deep is too deep. With just one week left before the finale, Joe and Nathan reflect on spats with listeners, conspiracies involving Blackstone, and whether Stefan himself might be orchestrating it all from behind the scenes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, Joe and Nathan discuss Season 17 Episode 8, titled 'The Wicked Wiz of Oz: the Ruzical.' They delve into the performances of the contestants during the lip sync battle, the dynamics of the musical challenge, and the reactions of the queens post-elimination. The conversation highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the performances, the relationships between contestants, and the overall impact of the episode's themes. In this conversation, Joe and Nathan delve into various themes surrounding a reality TV show, focusing on political commentary, contestant dynamics, and performance critiques. They discuss the implications of personal opinions on political figures, the appearance and behavior of contestants, and the challenges faced during performances. The conversation also touches on the emotional struggles of contestants and the competitive nature of the show, highlighting the complexities of character interactions and the impact of personal histories on performance. In this episode of Drag Race Recap, hosts Joe and Nathan dive into the rusical challenge, analyzing the performances of various contestants and their interpretations of iconic characters from The Wizard of Oz. They discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each performance, the dynamics of the roles assigned, and the overall impact of the musical numbers. The conversation shifts to the runway category of parasols and shady ladies, where they critique the looks presented by the contestants and the commentary provided by guest judge Helen Schaefer-Gray. The episode concludes with reflections on the lip sync battle and the overall performance of the contestants, highlighting the winners and those in the bottom two. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Rumor Mill, Joe and Nathan are left to fend for themselves with no voicemails and no real drag news to report—so naturally, chaos ensues. Joe unveils his brand-new “Sad Rumor Mill” theme song (AI lyrics included), while Nathan pretends not to be emotionally scarred by a listener email dredging up that infamous Wigloose rant. The two spiral into everything from tinnitus hacks to Starbucks prank videos before landing on a top five “least favorite queens” list that’s equal parts petty and cathartic. Joe even breaks out his mixer to attempt a Queen Kong impression, with… mixed results. Later, Joe comes clean about some rough outtakes from Slaysian Royale, playing clips of himself being a total diva toward poor Evan Markson. Will Evan quit the network? Justice for Evan! It’s a short-turned-long episode that proves what happens when you don’t send in your voicemails—Joe and Nathan go rogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, hosts Joe and Nathan delve into Season 17, Episode 7, titled 'Snatch Game.' They discuss the dynamics of the episode, including the lip sync battle, contestant performances, and the judging process. The conversation highlights the importance of making great television and the challenges contestants face in balancing their performances with the expectations of the show. The hosts also provide insights and advice for future contestants, emphasizing the need for authenticity and charisma on screen. In this segment, the conversation delves into various aspects of the Drag Race episode, focusing on the performances of contestants, their awareness of the cameras, and the dynamics of the Snatch Game. The hosts critique the characters chosen by the queens, the humor (or lack thereof) in their performances, and the overall impact of their choices on the competition. They also discuss the return of fan-favorite Alyssa Edwards and her influence on the show, as well as the performative nature of some contestants' actions. In this episode, Nathan and Joe delve into the performances from the Snatch Game segment of Drag Race, analyzing various characters and their portrayals. They discuss the effectiveness of humor in drag, the dynamics of elimination day, and share their final thoughts on the episode's overall reception and critiques. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe and Nathan are back with a voicemail-heavy edition of The Rumor Mill. Listeners from around the world check in — from Cleveland to Kentucky, from Australia to Finland — to share feedback, stories, and a few zingers. Along the way, Joe reflects on the show’s evolution from its spoiler-days roots, teases the possibility of a hiatus when Nathan heads off on his world trip, and even slips into character as a “Chinese spy” mid-call. Highlights include: Anonymous callers asking for more “planned bits” and reminding Joe of long-forgotten show gags. A deep dive into listener Brendan’s hot-take on Sasha vs. Shea, sparking debate about queens who’ve aged well — or not. Matt from Michigan explaining how Afterthought Media helped him through a rough tinnitus flare, and throwing some unexpected shade Nathan’s way. Sean, Chloe, Halle, Allie, and James all chiming in with appreciation, questions, and stories — including a shoutout to classic Afterthought shows like Fat Camp, Hallmark Homo’s, Fighting Prince Charming, and Murder House Flip. A quick look at RuPaul’s DJ set with fracking imagery in the background — not exactly headline news, but worth a mention. A sneak peek at possible new theme songs for the “news” segment, complete with AI-generated lyrics that sound more Hunger Games opening ceremony than drag gossip. It’s an episode that blends community, comedy, and camp — a reminder that The Rumor Mill thrives as much on listener voices as it does on Joe and Nathan’s banter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, hosts Joe Betance and Nathan Patrick Brown discuss the latest episode, including the challenges faced by the contestants, the controversial comments made by Mr. Blackstone, and the implications of the lip sync battles. They also analyze the performances of the queens in the latest maxi challenge. In this episode, the hosts discuss various aspects of the latest Drag Race episode, including the joy of live viewing parties, the communal experience of laughter, and the challenges faced by contestants. They delve into the significance of table visits, the complexities of poverty and connections, and the dynamics of conflict resolution in the workroom. The conversation culminates in reflections on elimination day and the overall impact of the episode. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Rumor Mill, Joe and Nathan dive into the latest tea from the world of Drag Race and beyond. Patreon & Apple Podcasts Updates: Joe lifts the “embargo” on voicemails and breaks down all the ways you can get exclusive Afterthought Media content, including Slaysian Royale and the return of Dragula. Cultural Misunderstandings: A discussion on Slaysian Royale sparks listener feedback about Filipino humor, translation quirks, and the use of words like “auspicious.” Joe and Nathan unpack the comments, reflect on cultural nuance, and talk about why covering international seasons can be tricky. Listener Voicemail: Laura from the Sutherland Shire shares how the podcasts have been with her through major life milestones—from earning a nursing degree to starting a family. She’s even moving closer to Nathan’s hometown, leading to talk of theatre productions, beaches, and life in Wollongong. Shea Couleé Drama: The big news of the week—Shea’s drag daughters have all dropped the Couleé name. Joe and Nathan cover the story, explore the daughters’ cryptic statements, and question what’s really going on behind the vague-booking. Joe even makes a bold pitch inviting them to spill the tea on The Rumor Mill. Theme Song Fun: Nathan reacts to a new, very “Australian” variation of his theme song and Joe revisits the AI-generated Rumor Mill jingle. Pop Culture Tangents: From Australian Survivor to Disneyland’s Gay Days, the hosts mix in stories of cousins, concerts, and cultural quirks that only Joe and Nathan could deliver. It’s a lively mix of hot tea, cultural commentary, listener love, and sharp Drag Race gossip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, hosts Joe Betance and Nathan Patrick Brown discuss the latest episode titled 'RDR Live.' They delve into the technical issues faced during the recording, the ongoing drama within the drag community, and provide a detailed overview of the episode's events, including the lip sync battle and the controversial badonkadonk twist. The hosts also share their takeaways from the episode, highlighting the delusions of some contestants and the need for better writing in the challenges. In this episode, Nathan and Joe delve into the dynamics of the workroom, discussing the contestants' strategies, character choices, and the challenges they face in sketch performances. They critique the writing quality of the sketches, particularly focusing on the caveman sketch and the Golden Girls parody, while also analyzing RuPaul's humor and cultural references. The conversation highlights the importance of character consistency and the impact of writing on performance quality. In this episode of the Drag Race Recap, Nathan and Joe discuss the latest elimination day, the behind-the-scenes drama among contestants, and the runway looks that wowed and disappointed. They critique the performances and fashion choices of the queens, highlighting the dynamics of competition and personal opinions on the contestants' journeys. The conversation flows through various themes, including celebrity crushes, fashion critiques, and the overall impact of the episode on the competition. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s a slow drama week, but Joe and Nathan still deliver plenty of chaos, laughs, and a packed voicemail bag. From Latrice Royale wig-snatching clips to a flood of SpeakPipe messages, the fans keep the conversation going. This week’s highlights include: Joe begging for voicemails… and getting more than he bargained for. Listener April sharing a wild personal backstory that once made headlines. Tim from Atlanta, David from Texas, and Shawn the Kentucky chiropractor all check in with love, tea, and shade. A thoughtful dive into whether Drag Race has a bias against Latin queens. Evan calling in hot from the bars with a Slaysian Royale recap of his own. Plus: awkward break mishaps, favorite drag queens, and Lauri's infamous run-ins with Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick. It’s messy, funny, heartfelt, and very Rumor Mill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, hosts Joe and Nathan discuss Season 17 Episode 4, titled 'Bitch I'm a Drag Queen.' They delve into the controversial opinions surrounding Mr. Blackstone, analyze the recent lip sync battle, and emphasize the significance of the Snatch Game in the competition. The conversation also touches on the emotional reactions of the queens post-elimination and the dynamics of the maxi challenge. In this episode, Joe and Nathan delve into the latest happenings in Drag Race, discussing bizarre moments, team dynamics, and personal stories shared by the contestants. They analyze the studio day performances, the peculiar tumbleweed scene, and the overall quality of the episode compared to previous ones. The conversation also touches on the elimination day reflections, highlighting the contestants' backgrounds and the authenticity of their stories. In this episode of Drag Race Recap, Joe and Nathan delve into the latest episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17, discussing cringe-worthy moments, fashion critiques, and the elimination of Joella. They explore the cultural implications of the contestants' performances and the judges' comments, while also reflecting on the overall quality of the runway looks and performances. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the final moments of the episode and the implications of the critiques given to the contestants. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rumor Mill — August 25, 2025 Joe and Nathan are back with a lighter week of Drag Race gossip—but plenty of laughs and tangents to keep things lively. Joe shares how ChatGPT has completely changed the way he preps the show, leading to a deep dive on AI, transcripts, and editing tricks. Listener voicemails spark heartwarming moments and shady commentary, from Sophia’s long history with the podcast to Evan’s sultry recap of Slaysian Royale. Then it’s on to the big story: Drag Race finalist Lexi Love facing a trademark battle over her stage name. Joe and Nathan unpack the messy legal drama, the fan reactions, and whether either side really has the stronger case. Along the way, expect sharp takes on Mistress Isabel Brooks, Gia Gunn, and even a detour into copyright law quirks with Del Taco and Naugles. It’s a short week on rumors, but a full episode of tangents, laughs, and trademark tea. 🔗 Leave us a voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia 💖 Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, Joe and Nathan discuss Season 17 Episode 3 titled 'Monopulence.' They delve into the mini challenge, the main challenge, and the dynamics between the contestants, highlighting the drama and controversies that arise. The hosts express their opinions on the performances, the contestants' personalities, and the overall production of the episode, comparing it to earlier seasons of the show. In this episode recap of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17, hosts Nathan and Joe delve into the latest table visits, queen ratings, and the drama that unfolds on elimination day. They discuss the runway looks, offering critiques and insights into the contestants' performances, culminating in a lip sync battle that determines who stays and who goes home. The conversation is filled with humor, sharp observations, and a deep dive into the dynamics of the competition. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rumor Mill — August 18, 2025 Joe and Nathan are back with another week of drag world news, listener messages, and plenty of shade. This week, they: Compare U.S., U.K., and Australian TV standards, leading to a hilarious detour about Big Brother Uncut and Nathan’s first glimpses of nudity on TV. Break down the disappointing finale of And Just Like That and debate whether Johnny Cakes was secretly hot. Debut a brand-new SpeakPipe jingle and share their first-ever listener voicemails. Trevon calls in to weigh in on Bob and Monet’s race play controversy, while Evan delivers a detailed (and adorable) recap of Slayzian Royale. Cover the headlines: Heidi N Closet’s involvement in ELF Cosmetics’ controversial ad with comedian Matt Rife, and the messy $80 wig drama between Orion Story and Britney Blackout. Talk behind-the-scenes tea on editing, timing, and why listener engagement means so much. Plus, Nathan plugs his Breaking Down Bad Books podcast (now on Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone) and his new Disneyland vlogs on YouTube, while Joe admits he’s already crushing on Evan’s voice. Send your own SpeakPipe messages at speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia and join the conversation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of RuPaul's Drag Race Recap, hosts Joe and Nathan discuss Season 17 Episode 2, titled 'Drag Talent Show.' They delve into the performances of the queens, the dynamics of the competition, and viewer feedback regarding the podcast's format. The conversation also touches on the runway category and the guest appearance of Lawrence Chaney, exploring the contestants' performances and the overall reception of the episode. In this episode, the hosts delve into various aspects of the latest Drag Race episode, discussing production choices, contestant dynamics, and the authenticity of moments on the show. They explore budding romances among contestants, the confusion surrounding the 'Is It Cake?' challenge, and the character of Hormona Lisa. The conversation also touches on fashion critiques and the contestants' strategies, all while maintaining a humorous and critical tone. In this episode, the hosts delve into various topics ranging from nostalgic advertising to the performances in the latest talent show of RuPaul's Drag Race. They discuss the Coppertone ad featuring Jodie Foster, analyze Lexi Love's fashion choices, critique Hormonalisa's stand-up performance, and explore the dynamics of the competition, including a surprising twist involving a tank of water and a lever. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rumor Mill – August 11, 2025 Joe and Nathan are back with more gossip, banter, and biting commentary. Joe kicks things off with an oddly passionate ode to his collection of back scratchers, before teasing exciting Patreon news: Season 2 coverage of Drag Race is on the way — plus possible Project Runway recaps available free to all Patreon supporters. The pair dive into two big Drag Race–adjacent stories: Bob the Drag Queen “Race Play” Clip Controversy – A seven-year-old podcast joke resurfaces (minus key context), sparking online outrage. Joe and Nathan unpack what was actually said, how the clip has been weaponized in the past, and why context matters. Plain Jane vs. Dawn Feud – After declining a collaboration with Plain Jane’s producer friend, Dawn is later seen lip-syncing to one of his songs. Plain Jane calls it hypocrisy, but Joe and Nathan question whether this is even drama worth caring about. As always, the hosts mix sharp takes with personal anecdotes, weaving in thoughts on internet pile-ons, the perils of oversharing, and why some feuds feel more like reheated leftovers than fresh tea. Patreon: patreon.com/afterthoughtmedia Voicemail: speakpipe.com/afterthoughtmedia Email: dragracerecap@afterthought.media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Drag Drama, Legal Shade & Viral Moments This week on The Rumor Mill, Joe Betance and Nathan Patrick Brown return to break down the biggest controversies shaking the drag world. From a viral Jesus Christ Superstar performance at the Hollywood Bowl to messy podcast feuds and legal retractions, it's another chaotic news cycle in the world of drag and reality TV. 💥 Highlights from this episode include: Joe's firsthand account of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Bowl and how the TikTok girlies made it a viral moment. Voicemails from listeners (yes, we found the lost SpeakPipe messages). The explosive drama between Acid Betty, designer Chokra, and podcast hosts Alaska & Willam over unpaid garment fees, destroyed dresses, and a one-sided podcast appearance. A deep dive into Shea Couleé’s surprising public apology and retraction of past allegations against Chicago-based Neverland Events—plus the mysterious yellow dress post that had Reddit ablaze with theories. Joe’s unfiltered thoughts on Race Chaser, drag queen behavior online, and who’s really out here doing the most for clout. 👀 Plus: Nathan shares updates on his Breaking Down Bad Books podcast and new travel vlog series. 🗣️ Want to sound off? Leave us a voicemail at SpeakPipe.com/AfterthoughtMedia 📺 Subscribe on Patreon for more exclusive content: Patreon.com/AfterthoughtMedia 💬 Follow Nathan on YouTube: @NathanPatrickBrown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices